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Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Who are you:
I’m a mom to a really cool 11 month old boy and a graphic designer who’s touched everything from graphical user interface designs to wedding stationary; brand identities to art galleries.
I recently opened Hello Baby Prints, a shop on Etsy.com where I sell artwork for children’s nurseries and play rooms. It can be found here: etsy.com
Your current job :
Graphic Designer, marketing department at an international security firm. The best part is having the opportunity to design for various markets around the globe.
I do freelance art direction in my spare time.
In which city are you located?
Toronto, Canada
A word to define what kind of worker you are :
Perfectionist – to the point of losing sleep over a pixel that isn’t perfectly in its place. I’d say it’s both a blessing and a curse.
What tools are essential to your life (app, software, etc..)
My phone, a place to jot down ideas and Adobe Creative Suite, of course.
What does your office space look like?
Organized. I cannot seem to work well when there is clutter around me. It clouds my ideas.
What kind of music do you listen when you are working ?
Depending on the project, I’d say. Lately I’m digging the playlists of Songza.
Do you have a way to organize your day to maximize your work ?
I usually like to start with the smaller tasks to get me into the swing of work mode: Checking and responding to emails, reviewing my shop activity on Etsy.com. Once I’m into it, it basically snow balls from there.
What tips would you give to improve productivity ?
Log out of all social media sites. Turn your phone to silent and listen to your favorite tracks. Once that’s out of the way. Tackle the things you know you can do right away and once you get into the groove of things, move on to the bigger, more complex parts of your projects.
You’re better than your colleagues to :
Being a mom – I work with mostly men.
What is the best advice anyone has given you ?
When it comes to getting things done, compartmentalize. It will keep you on track.
What is your best tip for saving time ?
Be organized. Make lists from which you can prioritize.
What is your routine start and end of the day ?
Start: Wait for my kid to fall asleep. Cup of coffee. Good music. Work.
End: Wait for my kid to fall asleep. My husband’s sweat pants. Good TV show.
Aside from your computer and your phone, what gadget can you not go without?
My coffee machine.
